Escape by diffusion from a square well across a square barrier

The problem of escape of a particle by diffusion from a square potential well across a square barrier is studied on the basis of the one-dimensional Smoluchowski equation for the space- and time-dependent probability distribution. For the model potential the Smoluchowski equation is solved exactly by a Laplace transform with respect to time. In the limit of a high barrier the rate of escape is given by an asymptotic result similar to that derived by Kramers for a curved well and a curved barrier. An approximate analytic formula is derived for the outward time-dependent probability current in terms of the width and depth of the well and the width and height of the barrier. A similar expression holds for the complete probability distribution. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.